Drivers have been warned they could face huge fines or even a ban as the UK enters hay fever season, and experts say symptoms could be worse this time. Experts at the University of Worcester say March sees the UK enter tree pollen season, the start of suffering for people with hay fever that will last until the end of weed pollen season in September.
The researchers say symptoms for the UK’s 13million hay fever suffered could be worse this year thanks to the weather conditions we saw last summer, creating a bumper crop of pollen. And motorists have been warned that driving while under the influence of hay fever medication could see you fined or banned.
Nick Millerchip, driving expert at Van Junkies said: “An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, with up to 49% of the population now reporting hay fever symptoms. This makes it a widespread concern for drivers, especially during high pollen seasons.
“Alarmingly, 68% of hay fever sufferers say their symptoms negatively impact their ability to drive safely. With pollen counts predicted to be high in many areas, it’s important for those affected to take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.
“Driving under the influence of hay fever medications, particularly those that cause drowsiness, can seriously impair your ability to drive safely. Many of these medications carry warnings against operating heavy machinery, which includes cars.
“Some motorists may not realise that driving while impaired by any drug, including over-the-counter or prescription hay fever treatments, could lead to a drug-driving conviction. This can result in serious penalties, including a fine of up to £5,000, points on your license, or even a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine.
“It’s important to carefully check medication labels and consult a doctor if there is any uncertainty about potential side effects, especially when planning to drive.
“Drivers should also consider the risks associated with sneezing while behind the wheel. A single sneeze on the motorway can cause a driver to travel several metres blindly, increasing the risk of accidents. If a crash occurs under these circumstances, it could lead to fines of up to £2,500 and three to nine penalty points for driving without due care and attention.
“To reduce the risks, drivers should keep their vehicles as pollen-free as possible by cleaning regularly, changing pollen filters, and keeping windows closed. Planning journeys during times of lower pollen counts and avoiding non-urgent trips when symptoms are severe are also important steps.
“Safety should always come first, whether it’s sneezing fits, drowsiness from medication, or severe hay fever symptoms, any impairment to driving ability can lead to serious consequences. Drivers must take every precaution to make sure they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel.”
The most common medication for hay fever symptoms is antihistamines. According to the NHS, ” Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed, and judgement—do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines, dry mouth, blurred vision, anddifficulty peeing.”
The UK Government website states: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.” It adds: “Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.”
Penalties for drug driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving you may get:
- a minimum 1 year driving ban
- an unlimited fine
- up to 6 months in prison
- a criminal record
Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will last for 11 years.
The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving under the influence of drugs is life imprisonment.
Other problems you could face
A conviction for drug driving also means:
- your car insurance costs will increase significantly
- if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
- you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA